Czech news in brief for May 3: Friday's top headlines

According to the Association of Heating Technology Companies, there are still up to 250,000 boilers of the lowest emission class in operation in the Czech Republic, which will be prohibited from September. The companies warned that owners may face fines of up to CZK 50,000 for using these non-ecological boilers. They also reminded households that they can apply for a government subsidy to replace their old solid fuel boilers, but the deadline for applications is the end of August. 

A study by scientists from the SYRI National Institute and Charles University found that women in the Czech Republic are having children later than planned. This is due to the trend of postponing parenthood to a later time. Jitka Slabá from SYRI explained that this is caused by women planning to have children later and often being unable to fulfill that plan. Only 14 percent of the research sample reported having their first child earlier than planned, while 43 percent gave birth “on schedule” and 41 percent gave birth later than planned. 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský about the progress of the Czech initiative to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition. The delay in the U.S. Congress approving additional military aid has left Ukraine with a shortage of ammunition, which has hindered its defense against Russian aggression. Kuleba expressed gratitude for the Czech Republic's continuous support. Ukraine is set to get the first batch of ammunition in June. 

Pavel Tuleja, a former university rector and economist, today withdrew his nomination for Czech Minister of Science, Research, and Innovations. He stated that no government member should have doubts surrounding their qualifications. Tuleja has faced criticism for publishing work in low-quality journals and has taken responsibility for his mistakes. Prime Minister Petr Fiala welcomed Tuleja's decision and acknowledged the burden of doubts surrounding his scientific ethics. President Petr Pavel was to appoint him as minister on Monday.

Czech NGO Nesehnutí is urging politicians to boycott the Summer Olympics in Paris due to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to allow Russian athletes to compete amid the Ukraine invasion. Russian and Belarusian athletes may compete as individuals but without national symbols. Critics argue this move fails to uphold Olympic values amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The IOC's decision prompted backlash and sponsorship pull out from Czech Olympic Committee partners.

The Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Czech parliament, advanced a draft amendment to the Labor Code, aiming to align the minimum wage with 47 percent of the average wage by 2029. If enacted, guaranteed wages, based on expertise and job responsibility, would apply solely to the public sector from next year. Opposition concerns over potential employee termination without cause were debunked by Labor Minister Marian Jurečka.

Czech President Petr Pavel has criticized the Together coalition's election campaign, which brands the opposition ANO party as pro-Russian, as “inappropriate, unfair and dangerous”. While Pavel condemned ANO leader Andrej Babiš's provocative anti-Ukrainian remarks the president said a campaign that depicts ANO as pro-Russian is equally problematic. PM Petr Fiala rebuked claims of labeling the opposition pro-Russian, saying that the campaign rather highlights concerns over the party's policies.

Book World Prague 2024 will host international literary luminaries alongside Czech authors, with the Das Buch German-language literary book project featuring as guest of honor and tributes to Franz Kafka's 100th death anniversary, festival director Radovan Auer said. With over 800 authors, 482 events, and 415 exhibitors, the four-day event from May 23 to 26 will feature renowned figures such as Irish writer John Boyne and Russian novelist Lyudmila Ulitskaya.

Pilsen kicks off its annual celebration marking the end of WWII and the city's liberation by American soldiers on Friday. Established in 1990, this year's Freedom Festival will feature the descendants of the American and Belgian veterans who liberated the city in May 1945. Thousands are expected to attend, to see historical military displays, a convoy of vintage vehicles, and cultural performances across various stages. Festivities begin with an opening ceremony and marching band.